Fancy a pint near Kingston Rail Station? You’re in luck! This area boasts a cracking selection of pubs and bars, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re after a historic alehouse, a lively music venue, or a cosy spot for a Sunday roast, Kingston’s got it all. Let’s dive into some top picks that are just a hop, skip, and a jump from the station.
The Fighting Cocks
Address: 56 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6QA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Old London Road in Kingston upon Thames, The Fighting Cocks is conveniently situated near Kingston railway station, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? Renowned for its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere, The Fighting Cocks is a proudly independent venue that has been a cornerstone of the local live music scene since the 1930s. The pub exudes a welcoming environment, often described as a haven for the inked, the pierced, and the damned.
What’s On Offer
- Live Music and Events: With a rich musical heritage, The Fighting Cocks hosts an array of live performances spanning genres like rock and roll, punk, metal, ska, and alternative music. The venue has welcomed both emerging talents and established artists, contributing significantly to London’s live music circuit.
- Award-Winning Comedy Nights: Every Monday, the pub transforms into a comedy hub with the “Outside the Box Comedy” night, featuring award-winning stand-up acts. This event has seen performances from comedy legends such as Robin Williams, Jimmy Carr, and Jo Brand, offering patrons a chance to enjoy top-tier comedy in an intimate setting.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Friday and Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Please note, there is no entry after 11 pm.
The Grey Horse
Address: 46 Richmond Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5EE
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated on Richmond Road in Kingston upon Thames, The Grey Horse is conveniently located just a short walk from Kingston train station and the town centre.
- What’s the Vibe? This multi-award-winning pub offers a vibrant atmosphere, combining a bustling front bar with an open kitchen BBQ restaurant. The venue also houses Ram Jam Records at the back, an intimate space hosting live music and events, continuing the legacy of the legendary Ram Jam Club.
What’s On Offer
- Modern British Barbecue: Renowned for some of the best burgers and BBQ in London, The Grey Horse’s menu is influenced by fire-cooked cuisine from around the world, featuring smoked, roasted, charred, and grilled dishes.
- Extensive Whisky Selection and Live Entertainment: The pub boasts the largest selection of single malt whisky in London, alongside a creative cocktail list and craft brews from local breweries.
- Live Entertainment: Ram Jam Records hosts live music, open mic nights, theatre shows, and comedy nights, offering a diverse range of entertainment.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Grey Horse is open from Sunday to Thursday between 12 pm and 11 pm, with the kitchen serving food until 10 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, the bar extends its hours until 1 am.
The Albion
Address: 45 Fairfield Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2PY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the leafy backstreets of Kingston upon Thames, The Albion overlooks the picturesque Fairfield Park, providing a tranquil setting away from the town’s hustle and bustle.
- What’s the Vibe? The Albion boasts a cosy, wood-panelled interior with varnished wooden floors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Patrons can relax by the fireplace in plush leather armchairs or enjoy the spacious beer garden, complete with heaters for year-round comfort.
What’s On Offer
- Extensive Beer Selection: With 20 keg taps, 10 cask lines, and 5 ciders, The Albion offers a vast array of independently sourced beers, including special one-off brews, punchy IPAs, sours, Belgian classics, and selections from their own Big Smoke Brew Co.
- Delicious Food Menu: The kitchen serves a variety of dishes, from great burgers and home-smoked meats to hearty Sunday roasts and a selection of tasty small plates, perfect for sharing over a drink.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Albion is open Monday to Thursday from 12 pm to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 11:30 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 10:30 pm. The kitchen operates Monday to Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 9:30 pm, Saturday from 12 pm to 9:30 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm.
The Bishop
Address: 2 Bishop’s Hall, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1PY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, The Bishop offers picturesque views of Kingston Bridge. It’s conveniently located just a short walk from Kingston Station.
- What’s the Vibe? The Bishop exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, combining traditional pub charm with modern touches. Patrons can enjoy the bustling riverside terrace during warmer months or cosy up by the roaring fire indoors when it’s cooler. The pub is known for its friendly service and lively yet relaxed environment.
What’s On Offer
- Seasonal Menus: Head Chef Joel crafts menus that highlight the best of British produce, focusing on smoked and grilled dishes. From hearty Sunday roasts with crispy potatoes and succulent meats to a diverse à la carte selection, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
- Events & Entertainment: The Bishop is a hub for sports enthusiasts, especially during major tournaments like the Six Nations. With ample seating and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot to catch live matches. Additionally, the pub hosts various events throughout the year, including community gatherings and seasonal specials.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Monday to Saturday: 11am – 11pmSunday: 12pm – 11pm Food is served until 10pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 9pm on Sundays.
The Druids Head
Address: 3 Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the heart of Kingston’s historic Market Place, The Druids Head stands amidst the bustling town centre, surrounded by traditional market stalls and historic architecture.
- What’s the Vibe? As Kingston’s oldest pub, dating back to the early 16th century, The Druids Head seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comforts. The Grade II* listed building boasts original features like a turned baluster staircase and moulded plaster ceilings, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
What’s On Offer
- Culinary Delights: The pub serves freshly cooked traditional British fare throughout the week, including vegan, vegetarian, and non-gluten options. Sundays feature hearty roasts with all the classic trimmings.
- Live Sports & Events: Sports enthusiasts can enjoy live broadcasts of major events, including Premier League and Champions League matches, in an unbeatable pub atmosphere.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 11:00pm
- Friday: 11:30am – 1:00am
- Saturday: 10:00am – 1:00am
- Sunday: 10:00am – 11:00pm
- Food is served until 10:00pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 8:00pm on Sundays.
Ready to Visit?
Kingston upon Thames is brimming with fantastic pubs, each offering something unique. Whether you’re looking for live music at The Fighting Cocks, top-tier BBQ at The Grey Horse, or a stellar beer selection at The Albion, there’s something for every taste. Riverside views at The Bishop and the historic charm of The Druids Head add to Kingston’s impressive pub scene. With its mix of vibrant venues and cosy traditional spots, this area is perfect for a night out or a relaxed weekend pint.
Share the Love
Found your new favourite Kingston pub? Give it a go, bring your mates along, and don’t forget to spread the word! Share this guide with friends and leave a review after your visit – great pubs deserve great recognition!
